Men! Do you know what the prostate is?
The prostate is an organ unique to men, and in recent years its diseases have been on the rise. In particular, prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia are serious problems for older men.
I am also in my 50s, so this is a type of cancer that is becoming a concern for me.
What is the prostate gland?
The prostate is an organ about the size of a walnut located in the pelvic floor. Its primary role is to produce prostatic fluid, a component of sperm fluid.
Prostatic fluid plays an important role in assisting the movement of sperm and facilitating their encounter with the egg.
The prostate also surrounds the urethra and is closely involved in urinary function. In conjunction with the muscle called the urethral sphincter, it is responsible for storing and excreting urine.
In addition, the prostate affects sexual function, as it also carries nerves involved in erection.
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Hyperplasia
Prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer affecting men.
In recent years, the number of cases has increased rapidly, and the aging of the population is believed to be a major factor. Prostate cancer progresses slowly, so early detection and treatment are important.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It usually occurs in men over the age of 60. Symptoms of prostate cancer include
difficulty in urinating
Frequent urination
Pain when urinating
hematuria
Pain during ejaculation
Erectile dysfunction
Prostate cancer can be detected by tests such as PSA test and rectal examination. Treatment for prostate cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
Prostatic Hyperplasia
Prostatic hyperplasia is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged. This condition is most common in men over the age of 50. Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include
difficulty in urinating
frequent urination
nocturia
urinary urgency
a feeling of residual urine after urination
Prostatic hyperplasia can be treated with lifestyle modification, drug therapy, and surgery.
Similarities and Differences between Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Hyperplasia
Commonalities
More common in older men
Symptoms such as dysuria appear.
Differences
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor, while benign prostatic hyperplasia is a benign disease.
Prostate cancer can metastasize as it progresses.
Prostatic hyperplasia is not life-threatening if left untreated.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Treatment options for prostate cancer are selected based on the degree of progression, the patient’s age, and general condition.
The main treatment options are as follows
Surgery: Radical surgery to remove the prostate gland is the mainstay of treatment.
Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy: suppresses the production of the male hormone testosterone.
Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs are administered to kill cancer cells.
In recent years, treatments such as robot-assisted surgery and minimally invasive surgery have been developed to reduce the burden on patients.
Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia depend on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s wishes. The main treatment options are as follows
- lifestyle modification
For mild to moderate symptoms, lifestyle modification is the first option. Specifically, the following points should be considered
Improve urinary habits: urinate frequently and check for residual urine after urination.
Improved diet: Eat a diet low in salt and fat and high in fruits and vegetables.
Moderate exercise: Get aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming several times a week.
Quit smoking: Smoking can aggravate symptoms.
Weight loss: Obesity can exacerbate symptoms.
- drug therapy
If lifestyle modification alone does not improve symptoms, drug therapy may be considered. The main drug therapies are as follows
Alpha-blockers: Medications that relax the muscles of the urethra to improve the passage of urine.
Typical drugs: Tamsulosin (Harnal), Silnafylline (Silnazin)
5-alpha reductase inhibitors: drugs that inhibit the growth of the prostate gland.
Typical drugs: finasteride (Propecia), dutasteride (Abolve)
Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors: Known to improve erectile function, these drugs also improve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Typical drugs: Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Vartanafil (Levitra)
surgical therapy
Surgical therapy is considered in severe cases where symptoms do not improve with medication or when complications such as urinary retention occur. The main surgical treatments are as follows
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): An endoscope is inserted through the urethra to remove enlarged prostate tissue using a laser or electrocautery.
Percutaneous TransUrethral Ligation Prostatectomy (TULP): Ultrasound energy is used to vaporize the prostate tissue.
Robotic-assisted prostatectomy (RAP): a robotic arm is used to remove the prostate gland. 4.
other treatment options
In addition to drug and surgical therapies, the following new treatments have been developed in recent years
Laser therapy: Laser is used to remove prostate tissue.
Radiofrequency Therapy: The use of radiofrequency energy to remove prostate tissue.
Urethral stenting: a stent is inserted into the urethra to secure the passage of urine.
points to consider when choosing a treatment
The following factors should be considered when choosing a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Severity of symptoms: For mild to moderate symptoms, lifestyle modification and drug therapy may be sufficient.
Age: Older patients are at higher risk for surgical treatment and should be carefully considered.
General condition: Patients with complications such as diabetes or heart disease may not be suitable for surgical treatment.
Patient’s wishes: Patient’s wishes should be respected as they may be resistant to surgical treatment.
life after treatment
After treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, it is important to pay attention to the following points
Improve urinary habits: urinate frequently and check for residual urine after urination.
Improved diet: Avoid eating a diet high in salt and fat, and consume more fruits and vegetables.
Moderate exercise: Aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming several times a week.
Regular checkups: Have regular checkups to ensure that symptoms do not recur.
How to Maintain Prostate Health
To maintain prostate health, it is important to
Regular checkups: Men over age 50 should have regular PSA tests and rectal exams.
Eat a healthy diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit processed foods, saturated fats, and cholesterol.
Exercise regularly: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Moderate alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Summary
The prostate is an important organ for older men. Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia are important.
Be aware of your condition on a regular basis, undergo regular checkups, and receive appropriate treatment.
